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It feels like we haven't had a proper summer, and already, it's hockey season.
Training camps for teams across the BC Hockey League are set to open up over the next several days.
The West Kelowna Warriors hit the ice at Royal LePage Place Monday morning for two quick days of practice and intra-squad games before the exhibition season begins in earnest Wednesday, when the Penticton Vees venture north.
Training camps are not like they once were when they were gruelling six to 10 day events as players worked to get themselves in shape.
"They've changed," said Warriors head coach Rylan Ferster.
"They are a little more intimate. You only have about 40 guys in, and you have a pretty good handle on who's making your team. There aren't the spots up for grabs like there were in the old days."
The Warriors will only have about 10 spots available for newcomers this season. Seven forwards, four defencemen and goaltender Cole Demers are back from last year's team.
Plus, the Warriors added 18-year-old forward Matt Kowalski from Salmon Arm in a deal that sent overage forward Logan Mostat to the Silverbacks.
The keys to the offensive machine will likely be handed over to second year forwards Parm Dhaliwal, Chase Stevenson and Chase Dubois.
All three had some levels of success during their rookie seasons.
Fairly or not, Ferster says all three played a lot of minutes, and a lot of important minutes for the team a year ago when the Warriors were thin up front.
The key for them, he says, is what steps they have taken from the end of last season to now.
"They were put in situations a lot of times where a lot was asked of them.
"And, there will be pressure on them again this year, but that's hockey. In hindsight, those guys should come in with a lot of confidence."
The Warriors will play six pre-season games, three at home and three on the road, beginning Wednesday when Penticton come to Royal LePage Place.
They'll open up the regular season Sept. 8 in Trail, before hosting the same Smoke Eaters the following night in their home opener.
